Is Renton or Tacoma Safer?
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of 2024 FBI data, Renton is safer than Tacoma (Safety Score 11/100 vs 1/100), with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100,000 versus 6,667 for Tacoma — 45% lower. Renton has lower rates in 7 of 7 crime categories.
The biggest difference is in violent crime, where Renton has a 68% lower rate.
Note: Tacoma is 2.2x larger by coverage, which can affect crime rate comparisons. Larger cities tend to report higher rates due to density and more comprehensive reporting.
Renton — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Tacoma — 5-Year Trend
Violent
Property
Total
Renton, WA
Tacoma, WA
Detailed Crime Rate Comparison
| Crime Type | Renton | Tacoma | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Crime Rate | 3,652.6 | 6,666.7 | -3,014.1 |
| Violent Crime Rate | 339.2 | 1,063.0 | -723.8 |
| Murder Rate | 4.8 | 9.8 | -5.0 |
| Rape Rate | 45.3 | 67.9 | -22.6 |
| Robbery Rate | 91.6 | 184.4 | -92.8 |
| Aggravated Assault Rate | 197.6 | 801.0 | -603.4 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3,313.4 | 5,603.6 | -2,290.3 |
| Burglary Rate | 435.6 | 669.7 | -234.1 |
| Larceny-Theft Rate | 1,739.6 | 3,521.3 | -1,781.7 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Rate | 1,138.2 | 1,412.6 | -274.5 |
All rates per 100,000 residents. Source: FBI UCR 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Renton or Tacoma safer?
Renton is safer with a total crime rate of 3,653 per 100K vs 6,667 for Tacoma — a 45% difference.
How do violent crime rates compare?
Renton has a violent crime rate of 339.2 per 100K while Tacoma has 1,063.0. Renton has lower violent crime.
About Renton, WA
Renton, a Puget Sound city, was once home to a Boeing plant and now serves as a major commercial hub. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Washington, its diverse population reflects a blend of urban development and natural beauty. With a safety score of 11/100 and a population coverage of 103,762, Renton has a total crime rate of 3,652.6 per 100,000 residents.
About Tacoma, WA
Tacoma, nestled on Commencement Bay, boasts a rich industrial past, once a major port for timber and rail. Today, this diverse city, home to over 200,000 residents, features a vibrant arts scene and stunning views of Mount Rainier. With a safety score of 1/100 and a population coverage of 223,980, Tacoma has a total crime rate of 6,666.7 per 100,000 residents.